Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 101 Hunting Demons and Capturing the Celestial Official (Two-in-One, Please Subscribe)

Xu Mingxuan led a group of people and left with Xu Mingshu.

First, go to Bihan Pool to meet up with Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi, and then head to the location of the monster under the guidance of A-San.

Upon seeing it, they realized it was a monster resembling a four-legged lizard, over three zhang long, with thick limbs, and more than a person's height when crawling. Its entire body was covered in dark green scales, and it had three black horns on its head.

It is long in the middle and short on both sides.

Those yellow-green vertical pupils were like cold flames burning, staring intently with a chilling power that seemed to steal one's soul.

Its sharp teeth interlocked, their cold gleam palpable, seemingly capable of shattering gold and jade, and chewing iron like porridge.

"It feels stronger than Xiaobai, probably a Qi Refining Level 3 or 4 demon beast."

The White Tiger's aptitude is ultimately slightly inferior, and it has only reached the second level of Qi Refining. In contrast, the three Green Fire Eagle brothers, who were born less than half a year ago, have already reached the mid-to-late stage of the first level of Qi Refining.

Wu Tao is at the peak of the first level of Qi Refining, wielding a small black shield with a beast head, primarily for defense.

Shen Qingyi has reached the second level of Qi Refining and has refined the crimson flying sword, which is mainly used for attack.

The siblings Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingshu, one at the peak of the late-stage of the Innate Realm and the other at the perfection of the Innate Realm, are unparalleled in close combat among their predecessors.

With such a lineup, hunting down a monster at the third or fourth level of Qi Refining would be no difficult task.

Observing their actions, one sees that they act with restraint and follow established rules.

Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingshu were the main attackers, while Shen Qingyi harassed them with her flying sword, and the white tiger attacked from the side, each time leaving a bloody mark along with some flesh.

Whenever the four-legged serpent monster was about to launch a full-scale attack on someone, Wu Tao would use the small black shield on its beast head to block in front of it, giving it time to create distance.

However, this monster was ultimately tough and thick-skinned, and it took the group more than two hours to slowly wear it down to death.

Xu Mingshu raised her hand to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead, looked at the gradually cooling corpse in front of her, and sighed, "It's finally dead. But if we had a divine weapon that could break through this fang scale armor, or if one of us had reached the fourth level of Qi Refining or above, we could have killed it even faster."

"Xueji, why don't you say that if Big Brother or Yunnu were here, they could kill them in one blow?" Xu Mingxuan chuckled.

Xu Mingshu ignored him and continued, "Just like last time, dismember and collect the materials that can be used for weapon forging, such as scales, sharp teeth, horns, and claws. The flesh and blood will go to Xiaobai and the three brothers, and the bones will be kept to be polished into bone weapons."

"Yes, Aunt Xueji," Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi said, clasping their hands in greeting.

After Xu Mingxian's advice, they also realized that mortals could not casually consume the flesh and blood of demonic beasts.

Even innate martial artists must refine it with extreme care to avoid any harmful substances in their flesh and blood.

However, monsters or ferocious beasts can digest food, as their digestive abilities are far superior to those of humans.

Frenzied beasts often eat it, and it may even mutate and transform into a monster.

roar~
uh~
The white tiger bared its teeth and roared at Xu Mingshu, its long, thick black tail whipping around like a lash, striking nearby tree trunks.

The three Azure Fire Eagles flapped their wings in the air, their cries conveying a sense of joy.

Of the rest, only two or three were at the Innate level and could barely participate in hunting monsters; those below the Innate level were merely tools for transporting corpses.

Bihan Pool.

"Xueji, you take care of things here. I'm going back to see your sister-in-law first."

"Go on, go on." Seeing his smug look, Xu Mingshu waved her hand and sent him away.

"If you're envious, just find one for yourself."

"Haha~"

Xu Mingxuan laughed loudly, then stepped on the Wind-Stepping Technique and disappeared in a flash, leaving only his voice behind.

Xu Dezhao, Xu Dewen, and Xu Deling came out of the bamboo house and greeted her with clasped hands: "Auntie."

"What are you all doing here? When did you arrive?"

Xu Dezhao said, "Father said that Sister Ling'er has now achieved Qi Refining and has become a Qi Refining Level 1 cultivator, which is suitable for her to cultivate on the mountain, so he brought her here."

Xu Mingshu's eyes lit up. She walked over, patted Xu Deling's head, and praised with a smile, "As expected of my family's little genius, keep up your training and try to leave your older brothers far behind."

"Got it, Auntie."

"Since everyone's here, let's observe Wu Tao and the others processing the monster materials."

Xu Dezhao looked at the enormous creature, its fierce aura filling him with awe and curiosity. "Auntie, next time you go hunting monsters, please take me with you. I'm now a peak-stage acquired martial artist."

"We'll talk about it once you reach the Innate Realm." Xu Mingshu patted his shoulder. "Anyway, with your talent, it'll only take you two or three months of arduous training here."

"Alright then, but you have to promise me that when I reach the Innate Realm, you'll take me with you."

"no problem!"

Xu Mingshu wanted to pat Xu Dezhao's head, but before she knew it, Xu Dezhao had already grown a little taller than her.

It wouldn't be appropriate to touch his head again.

"Zhao'er's martial arts cultivation is so fast, she must have some talent. Perhaps she is suited to follow the path of cultivating both immortality and martial arts like her elder brother."

The monster's corpse was disposed of.

The flesh and blood were left here for the White Tiger and the Azure Fire Eagle to feast on, while the rest of the materials were transported back to the Xu family.

after that.

Wu Tao, Shen Qingyi, and Xu Deling cultivated together. The two would occasionally give Xu Deling pointers and share their cultivation experiences.

The brothers Xu Dezhao and Xu Dewen practiced their boxing techniques, sparring in pairs or with the White Tiger and the Green Fire Eagle.

However, whenever this happens, Xu Mingshu will watch from the sidelines to prevent the white tigers from hurting the two brothers.

Qingjiang County, Xiansi Office.

"Finally, I've broken through to the sixth level of Qi Refining."

Quiet room.

Xiao Changyuan exhaled a long breath, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, but then a look of worry appeared on his face.

"Qingjiang County has thin spiritual energy and is not as good as Longjiang County. Now that I have broken through to the sixth level of Qi Refining, I can apply to return to Longjiang County, but before that, it would be best to find someone to take over the post."

However, after more than a decade and hundreds of test takers, not a single one had the aptitude for cultivating immortality.

That's why his eyes looked so worried.

"In the end, it's not as good as the county town."

"But perhaps by expanding the scope, we might be able to discover those with the aptitude for cultivation."

Thinking of this, Xiao Changyuan got up and walked out of the quiet room to the main hall of the Immortal Bureau, and said softly, "Someone come here."

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of the guards outside the door.

Immediately, a person entered, stood a foot away from him, bowed respectfully, and said, "My lord, what can I do for you?"

Before Xiao Changyuan could speak, the other party did not dare to look up.

"Go find Magistrate Wu and have him issue an order throughout the county that within the next five days, the Immortal Bureau will test immortal roots free of charge, regardless of social status, and anyone under the age of twenty-five can come for the test."

“Those who are selected will have their families receive 100 acres of fertile land and will be exempt from taxes and labor service for ten years.”

Upon hearing this news, the constable trembled slightly, and an expression of disbelief appeared in his eyes.

"Yes, Your Excellency." The constable looked up.

"Furthermore, it is imperative that Magistrate Wu's message be spread throughout all villages and towns in Qingjiang County by today."

"Yes."

The yamen runners immediately went to the county government office and informed them of Xiao Changyuan's orders.

When Magistrate Wu heard this news, he was very puzzled. Based on his past dealings with Xiao Changyuan, he knew that the other party was not a fair and honest person.

"Did Immortal Xiao explain why this is so?"

Magistrate Wu looked at the yamen runners in front of him and asked them curiously.

His hair and beard were white, and he was nearly seventy years old, but because he was a congenital martial artist, he was still vigorous and energetic.

The constable shook his head: "I don't know. The celestial official only said that the news must be spread throughout the entire Qingjiang County, to every village today."

"Understood, I will do so immediately."

"Then I'll take my leave."

"Ah."

After the yamen runner left, Magistrate Wu summoned the county clerk and the county constable.

Li Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "Since it is an order from the immortal official, we cannot delay. I will personally send people to convey the message to the area around Dongxi Village. As for the other two, you can handle it yourself."

Li Zhi was backed by the Xu family.

The Xu family today gives the impression of being an unfathomable behemoth, and both Magistrate Wu and County Commandant Fang remain tight-lipped about it.

It would be a great fortune for both of them to be able to keep to themselves and not interfere with each other.

"That's only right." Magistrate Wu and County Lieutenant Fang smiled slightly. Dongxi Village.

"Who goes there? This is the Xu family's territory. No entry is permitted without an invitation!"

Patrol guards stopped the man on horseback.

The entire Dongxi Village has now been sealed off by the Xu family and is now their private property, which even government officials are not allowed to trespass on.

"I have been sent by Lord Li Zhi of the county town to deliver a message. Please allow me to go in and report."

As he spoke, he took out a token from his pocket, which was the token of the Xu family's guards.

Nowadays, several of the yamen runners in the county government are former guards of the Xu family, making it easier for them to contact the Xu family.

"Turns out they're family."

The patrol captain smiled and said, "Make way, let the brothers pass."

The constable clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you. I'll invite you all for drinks sometime."

With that, he spurred his horse straight toward the gate of the Xu family's residence.

After waiting for a while in the main hall, Xu Mingwei strode in from outside.

"Greetings, Patriarch." He quickly knelt on one knee.

“There’s no need for that. You’re already an official now,” Xu Mingwei said calmly after taking his seat.

"Once a servant of the Xu family, always a servant of the Xu family. Moreover, without the Xu family, how could I have achieved what I have today?"

"Get up."

"Yes, master."

"Speak, what does Li Zhi want you to convey?"

"This is a letter from Lord Li Zhi."

Xu Mingwei took it, opened it and read it. His brows furrowed slightly, then relaxed, and he fell into deep thought.

A moment later, he said to the bailiff, "I am aware of this matter. Go back and report."

"Yes, master."

The constable did not linger; after all, he had official duties to perform and could not neglect his responsibilities.

"Someone is coming."

"What are your orders, Master?" A servant approached and bowed respectfully.

"Go and invite Second Master and Third Master to my study."

"Yes."

Nanshan Courtyard.

Xu Mingwei's study.

Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan entered the study one after the other.

"Brother, what brings you here?" Xu Mingyuan asked with a smile.

"This is a letter that Li Zhi just sent. You two should take a look at it too."

After Xu Mingyuan took the letter, he started reading it, and Xu Mingxuan also leaned closer.

"What do you think?"

After pondering for a moment, Xu Mingyuan said, "Xiao Changyuan would never do such a good deed without a reason. Perhaps he has made a breakthrough in his strength and plans to leave Qingjiang County and return to Longjiang County City."

"After all, the spiritual energy in Qingjiang County is much weaker than that in the county seat. If it weren't for the spirit-gathering array set up by Yun Nu in my Xu family, Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi's cultivation speed would probably be even slower."

“You’re right.” Xu Mingwei nodded.

In terms of quick wit, no one in the Xu family can surpass Xu Mingyuan.

"If A-Yuan, you guessed correctly, then shall my Xu family get involved?" Xu Mingwei asked again.

“If Xiao Changyuan were here, it would be inconvenient for my Xu family to join, because his background is complicated. But with his departure, the Immortal Bureau of Qingjiang County can be brought under the control of my Xu family. In a few years, even the county magistrate and county lieutenant can be swallowed up.”

"From now on, Qingjiang County will truly belong to my Xu family. We can also make similar plans for the surrounding counties, and have Chen Baili seek military officer positions from them."

Xu Mingwei nodded again, then looked at Xu Mingxuan, "Charcoal Head, your intuition is always the most accurate. Is joining the Immortal Bureau advantageous?"

"Xueji uses me as a talisman to predict good or bad fortune, and so do you, brother," Xu Mingxuan muttered to himself.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan exchanged a glance, both amused and exasperated.

"Stop complaining. Among the five of us, you are the only one with this talent. If you don't want it, wait for your father to come back and see if there's any way to erase this talent from your life," Xu Mingyuan said with a shake of his head and a laugh.

"Second brother, I was just joking."

Xu Mingxuan pondered for a moment and said, "This is feasible. After all, one can obtain one spirit stone every two months. As for the duties of the celestial officials, which are not things that only cultivators can do, my Xu family can also send someone to handle them, so that they can have time to cultivate."

“In that case, both Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi can enter the Immortal Bureau,” Xu Mingwei said.

"Let Wu Tao join first, and then find an opportunity to let Shen Qingyi join after Xiao Changyuan leaves," Xu Mingyuan suggested.

"In that case, this matter shall be decided."

Xu Mingxuan immediately went to Bihan Pool and told Wu Tao about the matter.

He naturally did not refuse.

"Don't worry, although you are young, with my Xu family here, no one in the entire Qingjiang dares to touch you. Once Xiao Changyuan leaves, you can return to Bihan Pool to cultivate."

"The Xu family will take care of some of the duties of the celestial officials."

"Thank you, Third Master."

The next day.

Xu Mingxuan then led Wu Tao to the Immortal Bureau.

Quiet room.

"You said the Xu family came to visit? Who is it?" Xiao Changyuan opened his eyes, his expression showing surprise.

"It is Xu Mingxuan, the third master of the Xu family, and a boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old with an ordinary appearance," the constable said.

"Xu Mingxuan, an ordinary teenager?"

"Tell them to wait in the lobby for a moment, I will be there shortly."

"Yes, my lord."

Xu Mingxuan and Wu Tao waited in the lobby.

A moment later, Xiao Changyuan walked over with a smile, "What wind blew Brother Xu here today?"

Xu Mingxuan stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Immortal Official Xiao."

"Sit down and talk."

The Xu family was undoubtedly a behemoth in Qingjiang County, and even if Xiao Changyuan was focused on his cultivation, he could not help but learn something from the gossip of the yamen runners.

Xiao Changyuan swept his divine sense across the area, and his pupils suddenly contracted, as if someone had pinched his pupils.

He smiled slightly, "Brother Xu is quite strong. According to the realm of martial artists, you should be close to the perfection of the Innate Realm."

"Brother Xiao is indeed a cultivator with great supernatural powers. Nothing can escape your discerning eyes."

"Haha, Brother Xu, you're too kind. Please speak freely."

Xu Mingxuan said, "Wu Tao, come and greet Immortal Xiao."

"Wu Tao has met with Immortal Official Xiao."

"Hmm, a cultivator? A rogue cultivator?" Xiao Changyuan blurted out, his eyes filled with surprise.

“Wu Tao is someone recruited by my Xu family. He has been cultivating in my Xu family for the past two years and has now barely reached the first level of Qi Refining. Therefore, I would like to ask Brother Xiao to join the Immortal Bureau.”

"What are your qualifications?"

"It's just the worst pseudo-spiritual root."

"It's alright. If your aptitude is a little lacking, you can just focus on your cultivation."

Xiao Changyuan stroked his beard and smiled slightly, "I will certainly give Brother Xu face, but the first level of Qi Refining is still a bit low. Whether it will succeed or not depends on luck."

Xu Mingxuan smiled, took out 30,000 taels of silver notes, tapped the tea table lightly with his fingers, and said, "I certainly can't let you, Immortal Xiao, have worked for nothing."

Xiao Changyuan's smile grew even wider.

It's like a pillow being delivered to someone who's just fallen asleep; now I can leave in peace, and I can even make a quick buck before I go.

How wonderful!

(End of this chapter)